TOWN OF WALLKILL – Pratt & Whitney, the designer, manufacturer
and servicer of engine and propulsion systems, is going to expand its
operations in the Town of Wallkill by investing $140 million and doubling
its workforce.

The company, which currently has its Advanced Coating Technology subsidiary
on Tower Drive, will be purchase a 71,500 square foot building nearby
and transform it to perform a new, proprietary engine blade coating process
that gives engines added life, less wear, and better efficiencies.

The company’s current division has 95 workers and the new project
is expected to add 100 advanced manufacturing jobs.

Wallkill Town Supervisor Daniel Depew said the company chose Orange County
over other states for specific reasons.

“They were very pleased and felt welcomed here more so than any
of the other locations. They actually felt that we really wanted them
here and that they would have partners as they continue to grow and develop,”
he said.

Orange County Partnership President Maureen Halahan said this could provide
jobs for the skilled workforce in the county. “It’s not surprising
that people will drive 45 minutes to an hour to work in this type of industry;
they are high-end, high paying jobs, but don’t underestimate the
depth and breadth of the educated workforce that we have here now that
is commuting outside of here to go get great jobs. So there may be some
real opportunities for people to work a little closer to home because
of this,” she said.

County Executive Steven Neuhaus said this announcement will be the first
of several this year. “I think that by the end of January we will
be announcing at least a few other companies that are coming down the
line. We have had economic development meetings literally every day since
election day,” he said. “It has been my two priorities –
getting the reins on the budget and building up the economy.”

The state’s Empire State Development Corporation offered the company
a $900,000 capital grant and up to $1.6 million Excelsior Jobs Program
tax credits, both tied to job creation and investment commitments, as
well as other incentives.

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